The Brothers Hawthorne
SIX YEARS, ELEVEN MONTHS AGO
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnThe chapter opens with a vivid depiction of the Hawthorne family’s extravagant Fourth of July carnival, complete with rides and games. Jameson, hidden in the tree house, observes his older brother Grayson and Emily Laughlin, a close family friend, as they sneak away from the festivities. Emily, who has a heart condition, defies her mother’s restrictions to join the Hawthorne brothers. The tension between the three is palpable, especially when Emily boldly declares her intention to kiss Grayson, teasing him about his cautious nature. Jameson, ever the daring one, interrupts and kisses Emily first, setting the stage for a moment of rivalry and intimacy between the brothers.
The dynamic between the characters deepens as Emily, after kissing Jameson, turns her attention back to Grayson. Despite his initial reluctance, Grayson eventually kisses her, a moment that lingers longer than Jameson’s. Their grandfather, Tobias Hawthorne, suddenly appears, having overheard the exchange. His presence shifts the tone from playful to serious, though he doesn’t directly address the kiss. Instead, he subtly asserts his authority, reminding the boys of their privileged lives and the expectations placed upon them. Emily departs, leaving the brothers under their grandfather’s scrutinizing gaze, which hints at his awareness of the underlying tensions between them.
Tobias Hawthorne uses the fireworks as a metaphor to deliver a pointed lesson about family loyalty. He emphasizes the unique bond between the four Hawthorne brothers, framing it as an unbreakable alliance against the world. His words, “Family first,” resonate deeply, especially with Grayson, who seems to have heard this mantra before. The grandfather’s stern yet loving demeanor underscores his belief in discipline and focus, qualities he expects from his grandsons. His questioning of whether they fear him reveals his desire to instill both respect and love, rather than intimidation, in their relationship.
The chapter concludes with Tobias Hawthorne challenging the boys to reflect on why he doesn’t use physical punishment to discipline them. Jameson responds with flattery, but the grandfather corrects him, stating simply, “Because I love you.” This moment encapsulates the complex dynamics of the Hawthorne family—where love, expectations, and rivalry intertwine. The chapter leaves readers with a sense of the weighty legacy the brothers carry and the emotional undercurrents that shape their relationships, particularly between Jameson and Grayson, as they navigate their grandfather’s demanding vision for their future.
FAQs
1. How does the tree house setting serve as a symbolic space in this chapter?
Answer:
The tree house functions as a symbolic liminal space where rules can be temporarily suspended. It’s where Grayson breaks his usual pattern of rule-following by sneaking Emily out, and where intimate moments like the shared kisses occur away from adult supervision. The text emphasizes this when Tobias Hawthorne intrudes on the space, marking a return to reality (“The silence was uncomfortable. It was almost certainly meant to be uncomfortable”). The elevated position also mirrors Jameson’s observational nature, as he literally watches events unfold from above before joining in.2. Analyze the significance of Emily’s heart condition in relation to her characterization and the brothers’ dynamics.
Answer:
Emily’s heart condition (“I think my heart could handle one little roller coaster”) symbolizes her defiance of limitations, which parallels both brothers’ attraction to her. For Jameson, it’s her recklessness (“You’re not scared of anything… even when you probably should be”); for Grayson, it’s her vulnerability (“Be careful, Em”). The condition becomes ironic when she declares “My heart and its defect are just fine” after the emotionally charged kisses, suggesting emotional risks matter more than physical ones. This medical detail heightens the tension in the love triangle by adding stakes to their interactions.3. What does Tobias Hawthorne’s fireworks scene reveal about his parenting philosophy?
Answer:
The fireworks moment (“purple and gold exploded in the sky… painting the air like a weeping willow”) serves as both a distraction and a lesson. His unspoken message (“I give you boys everything, and all I ask in return is focus”) reflects a transactional view of relationships. His subsequent speech about brotherhood (“No one else will ever understand you the way that your brothers do”) reveals his prioritization of family loyalty over individual desires. The dramatic setting underscores his belief in using grandeur to impart lessons, while his physical grip on their shoulders demonstrates his controlling nature masked as affection.4. Compare how Jameson and Grayson each respond to Emily’s advances, and what this reveals about their characters.
Answer:
Jameson reacts impulsively (“I’ll kiss you… Do it. He did”), treating the kiss as a challenge to conquer, consistent with his risk-taking nature. Grayson hesitates (“I can’t”) due to his rule-following tendencies, but ultimately succumbs, showing his hidden rebellious streak. The text emphasizes this contrast through their physical reactions: Jameson “didn’t let himself turn away” during Grayson’s kiss, while Grayson’s eyes initially dart to Jameson. Their approaches mirror their personalities—Jameson acts first and thinks later, while Grayson overthinks but eventually engages more deeply (their kiss lasts “a lot longer”).5. Interpret the layered meaning behind Tobias Hawthorne’s question “Why wouldn’t I get physical?”
Answer:
This rhetorical question (posed “like it was a riddle”) tests the brothers’ understanding of power dynamics. While Jameson answers strategically (“Because it’s beneath you”), Tobias reveals his true motive is emotional manipulation (“Because I love you”). The scene exposes his parenting style: he could use physical force but chooses psychological pressure instead, as seen when he deliberately lets the silence linger to discomfort them. This mirrors how he “rigged the carnival games”—he prefers indirect control. The question also foreshadows future conflicts about what lengths the family will go to for their goals.
Quotes
1. “‘I’m going to kiss you, Grayson Hawthorne.’ Emily, her voice as clear as day. ‘Don’t tell me no. I am so tired of no. My entire life is no. Just this once, can’t the answer be yes?’”
This pivotal moment captures Emily’s rebellious spirit and desire to break free from restrictions, while also foreshadowing the complex dynamic between the Hawthorne brothers and the Laughlin sisters. The quote represents a turning point where childhood innocence begins giving way to adolescent tension.
2. “‘Hawthornes don’t get scared,’ Grayson said stiffly. ‘No,’ Emily shot back. ‘I don’t get scared. You’re scared all the time.’”
This exchange reveals the fundamental difference between the Hawthorne brothers’ upbringing and Emily’s perspective, highlighting how the Hawthorne family ethos masks vulnerability. Emily’s blunt observation cuts through Grayson’s facade, exposing a key character dynamic.
3. “‘I give you boys everything, and all I ask in return is focus.’”
Tobias Hawthorne’s unspoken message to his grandsons encapsulates the Hawthorne family bargain - privilege in exchange for discipline and purpose. This implicit demand represents the central tension between freedom and expectation that shapes the brothers’ lives.
4. “‘No one else will ever understand you the way that your brothers do. No one. It’s the four of you against the world, and it always will be.’”
Tobias Hawthorne’s declaration of the brothers’ unbreakable bond serves as both a promise and a warning. This quote establishes the “family first” ideology that will define their relationships and choices throughout the story.
5. “‘Because I love you.’ The correction felt brutal, despite the sentiment being conveyed. ‘And Hawth—’”
The truncated final line (appearing to begin “And Hawthornes…”) creates a powerful cliffhanger about the nature of love and legacy in the Hawthorne family. Tobias’s blunt declaration contrasts with his usual riddles, making this moment particularly impactful.